Examination Overview

The Pandit Jasraj Institute of Music (PJIM) has established a Certification, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree and a PhD Degree program for students of Hindustani classical vocal music. Under this program, students may seek certification and Degrees in six levels of proficiency and preparation. A student becomes eligible to receive certification at a particular level by passing a corresponding practical and written test conducted by the Pandit Jasraj Institute.

Our views on Examination for PJIM and non-PJIM students

For PJIM students, taking an examination is absolutely optional because we believe in the “Gurukul” system of learning. In the “Gurukul” ideology, a disciple of music continuously follows and learns from the Guru. PJIM believes that one should try to be a “disciple” of his/her Guru rather than a “student”. Being a disciple requires a rigorous and continuous commitment to Music. In that sense, certification examinations do not matter, as the Guru and the disciple are fully aware of the disciple’s level of accomplishments and skills. We encourage our disciples to focus on learning and continuing the tradition of the Gharana, in the way it has been followed through generations. However if someone wants to take an examination as a means of quantitatively assessing his or her individual level of accomplishment, PJIM will not discourage.

For a non-PJIM Student who wants to take a certification examination, PJIM advises everyone to learn properly first from his/her Guru and if they are absolutely ready, then only appear for the examination. Our syllabus is so detailed that it definitely requires a significant commitment of time to learn. That is why we have 'levels' and not 'years'. Becoming an accomplished vocal musician is a long process and it takes around 20 years after the student starts the learning process. Our syllabus reflects this period of 20 years to reach the PhD level, starting from an elementary level. So be patient, learn from your Guru, do your riyaz and prepare yourself well before taking the examination.

We encourage students to be full time music students and to take 'Music' as a highly respected and honored profession. Musicians are the 'chosen ones' and the specially blessed ones !

The following terms and conditions apply to the certification process.

Our unique Six Levels to achieve Bachelor’s, Master’s and Phd Degrees

The PJIM Certification program is designed to recognize musical talent as well as knowledge of
Hindustani classical vocal music. There are 6 levels of certification. We encourage students to apply for
certification at level 1 and only after passing the first level, work towards levels 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
We do not recommend skipping intermediate levels of certification. The six levels are:

The certification opportunity is open to any student of music, as long as the student meets the eligibility
criteria detailed below. After reviewing the student's credentials the PJIM Examination Board (PEB) will
either accept or reject the student’s eligibility for certification. The PEB will also schedule and conduct two
tests, i.e. a written test and a practical test. On succesfully passing the tests, the student will receive a Certificate from the Pandit Jasraj Institute.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible for a particular level, a student must have completed the syllabus for that level.
Please get a copy of the syllabus from the PEB for more details.

Affiliation with the Pandit Jasraj Institute

The schools/organizations other than PJIM must get affiliated and registered with the Pandit Jasraj Institute for their students to follow and complete our syllabus. An affiliation form is available here to download. There will be a one time non-refundable fee to be paid by the Music schools/organizations to get affiliated. For information on fees and payment, please contact us at peb@pjim.org

Application Process

Click here to download the examination form. Please download a copy and fill out the application. The application requires you to provide details about your music education and gives you an opportunity to present your credentials. Also, we require one (1) recommendation letter from your music Guru indicating your knowledge and experience in Hindustani classical music, if you are not a student of PJIM. Please mail your application along with the recommendation letter and the examination fee to the PEB.

The PEB will notify you whether your application is approved or not. If approved, the PEB will provide you with the
date, time and place on which you can be tested. If more information is required before your test, the PEB will
notify you accordingly. The written and the practical tests will be conducted on two different dates.

Registration for organizations and individual students
should be done by the last weekend of June each
year.

Examination Schedule and Location

The dates scheduled by the PEB for your tests are non-changeable. However, if for some unavoidable
reason those dates are not suitable for you, you need to inform the PEB immediately so that the PEB can
arrange for a mutually workable date and time.

The Written examination will be conducted in
September every year.
The Practical examination will be conducted in December every year.

Location will be decided at the time of scheduling.

Examination Format

The certification examination consists of 2 tests. For the written test, the student will be given a closed-book test to be answered within 1 hour. The written test may be answered in either Hindi or English. After the written test, you will be notified by the PEB with another date for your practical examination. The student will be asked to perform with a choice of Ragas (from the syllabus of the respective level), which the student will prepare and present in front of the examiner. The student will sing with a Tanpura and Tabla during the test. No Harmonium accompaniment will be allowed. It is advisable that the student bring his/her own accompanying artiste and instruments for his/her own comfort. However if necessary, the PEB will provide the required instruments to the student. After the vocal performance, there will be a verbal question and answer session in which the examiner will ask questions about various topics in the syllabus. No books/notes will be allowed during the examination.
The practical test will last for a maximum of 1 hour.